NFL Trade Speculation: 5 Most Underrated Players on Trading Block

Over the years, there have been many trades that have shaped the history of the NFL.

In 2006, the Oakland Raiders traded Randy Moss to the New England Patriots for a fourth-round draft pick. The next year Moss went on the catch 23 touchdown passes for one of the most proficient offenses of all time.

In 1992, the Green Bay Packers traded their first-round pick to the Atlanta Falcons for a backup quarterback from Southern Miss named Brett Favre. Favre went on to set nearly ever record for a quarterback.

No one thought much of Moss or Favre, but had their trades not happened, the NFL could have been very different. Randy Moss could have continued to play terrible football for Oakland and retired early. Brett Favre could have been a career backup in Atlanta instead of becoming one of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time.

Here is a look at five players that some people might not think much of:  the five most underrated players on the trading block.

5. Brandon Jacobs, RB

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DETROIT - DECEMBER 13: Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants runs for a first down during the second quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field on December 13, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

Most likely team to be traded to: Miami Dolphins

Brandon Jacobs is only two years removed from a 1,000 yard rushing season with 15 touchdowns.  He is a powerful runner with a nose for the end zone. He doesn't possess true breakaway speed, but he does possess true bulldozer ability.

His numbers have dropped the past two seasons, but is only 29 years old and showed last year that he still has plenty in the tank. He might not be able to carry a full running load, but he should give a team anywhere from 15 to 20 quality carries a game.

Ronnie Brown is a free agent for Miami and Ricky Williams appears to be on his last leg. Miami drafted two running backs—Daniel Thomas and Clay Charles—in this year's draft, but Jacobs is better than either of those players. Most people think Jacobs is only going to get worse, but all he needs is a change of scenery.

4. Carson Palmer, QB

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 12: Carson Palmer #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals drops back to pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game on December 12, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Most likely team to be traded to: Arizona Cardinals 

The first pick in the 2003 NFL draft never really lived up to expectations. He has been a good—sometimes great—starting quarterback, but Cincinnati has still struggled with him under center.

Palmer has made some noise this offseason by demanding a trade. Last year was Palmer's worst statistical season since his rookie year. People say this is the beginning of the end of Palmer's career.

However, Palmer showed last season that he still has the arm to play in the NFL. We all knew the Bengals season was doomed when Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco were paired together. There were times when Palmer's decision-making was very questionable, but he still threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 26 touchdowns.

Palmer will never be the quarterback everyone expected him to be coming out of USC. For a team like the Cardinals, Palmer could team with Larry Fitzgerald to form a very explosive pairing.  Even though everyone is throwing Palmer to the side, Palmer can still get it done as a quarterback in the NFL.

3. Kyle Orton, QB

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 12: Quarterback Kyle Orton #8 of the Denver Broncos runs out onto the field before the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 12, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated

Most likely team to be traded to: Buffalo Bills 

Kyle Orton always seems like the odd man out.

In 2005, Orton become the starting quarterback for the Chicago Bears due to an injury to Rex Grossman. Orton went 10-5, leading the Bears to a NFC North title. During the playoffs, Orton was replaced by Rex Grossman and the Bears lost their first playoff game, against the Carolina Panthers.

Orton was then put on the bench until the 2008 season, when he was named the starter before the season began. He led the Bears to a respectable 9-7 record. He was then traded before the 2009 season to the Denver Broncos for Jay Cutler.

Orton started nearly two full seasons before being benched in favor of Tim Tebow. He now appears to be on his way out in Denver.

Orton is an extremely underrated quarterback.

He doesn't have the strongest arm, but he is accurate and he doesn't make many mistakes. He would best fit into an offense that is run-oriented and throws only short, intermediate passes. He is the type of quarterback that rarely loses a game for his team.

Buffalo decided against drafting a quarterback in this year's draft, leading some to believe that Ryan Fitzpatrick will get another chance at quarterback. The Broncos probably won't ask for much for Orton, who would be an instant upgrade over Fitzpatrick.

2. Vince Young, QB

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SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 31: Quarterback Vince Young #10 of the Tennessee Titans drops back to pass against the San Diego Chargers in the game at Qualcomm Stadium on October 31, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers defeated the Titans 33-25. (Photo by

Most likely team to be traded to: Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks were expected to draft a quarterback in the draft.  They didn't and now they will need to find one either through trades or free agency.

I present to the Seahawks, Vince Young.  We all know Young has issues with his maturity.  However, he is still young and he is a proven winner when he can stay on the field.  I don't like the idea of giving up on Young this early in his career when he still has exceptional overall talent.

The trade to Seattle makes sense for Young.  Pete Carroll is used to coaching high demand players from his days at USC.  Carroll excels at getting the most out of players with questionable characters.

Young would also have freedom in Seattle's offense.  He could do what he does best which is improvise with the ball in his hands.

Don't throw Young to the curb yet, the rain in Seattle could wash Young clean of his past faults and he could become a new player.

1. Albert Haynesworth, DT

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GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 02: Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth #92 of the Washington Redskins stands on the sidelines during preseason NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 2, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona

Most likely team to be traded to: Tennessee Titans 

If your jaw just hit the floor, slowly pick it up and put it back in place. Let me first explain why Albert Haynesworth is an underrated trade prospect.

Haynesworth has had a terrible stint with the Washington Redskins. I mean, it was just hard to watch Haynesworth play for the Redskins. He has been a poor player with an even poorer attitude.

However, Haynesworth is only two years removed from being the most coveted defensive free agent in recent years. While at Tennessee, he was the force behind the Titans when they had one of the best defenses in football. He played with speed, strength and determination.

Tennessee is in need of another dominant defensive tackle and bringing Haynesworth back to his humble beginnings might turn his career back around. 

The best case scenario for the team that trades for Haynesworth is they get a game changing defensive player. The worst case scenario: they get an out-of-shape, slow and lazy player.